Chapter 1:

Chelsea's P.O.V

I stood clutching the piece of paper in my hand. This is it. The escape opportunity I had been waiting for since I turned sixteen, a chance to finally break away from dreary city life. At the top of the paper in bold read 'NEEDED: Dedicated Rancher willing to relocate permanently' I read on, 'Hard-working, enthusiastic rancher needed as co-owner of Sunshine Ranch. Applicants must be willing to move to Sunny Islands ASAP. Accommodation will be provided. Call 0800-555-333 for details.'

It was perfect.

'Well, I'm not a 'dedicated rancher', but how hard could it be?' I muttered to myself, probably causing people to look at me like I was crazy.

Slipping the paper into my rucksack, I dashed out of the job centre I'd spent almost all of my Monday mornings at for the past two years, into the warm summer sun and ran home.

I guess I'm like most nineteen year old girls: bubbly, friendly, a little self conscious. I'm what you would call 'unusual looking' with my pin-straight, chestnut brown hair and huge bug-like eyes. I really do hate my eyes. They're the size of tennis balls which is ridiculous enough, but the colour of bright sky blue makes them worse. It's like they're about to pop out of my head or something. I've had my fair share of boyfriends though I guess... Nothing serious, just a few notes passed during lessons and a few awkward hugs during break. All except Trent, he was different. Trent and I had dated back when I was seventeen. I sighed internally as I thought his name, erasing it from my mind as soon as it had entered. 'Don't you dare think of that douche bag' I thought angrily, but my mind wouldn't listen. Thoughts of that night flooded my brain. I winced a little. Shaking it off, I plastered a solid frown on my face, and got back to the task at hand.

'Where's my god damn phone?' I grumbled, flinging random objects out of the way as I searched my messy room with the grace of an elephant. Finally, I spotted it hiding in one of my converse.

'What are you doing over there?' I demanded at the inanimate object. Swooping in, I grabbed it before it could escape.

'Okaaaaaay, what's the number for this ranchy place...' I mumbled as I frowned at the piece of, now crumpled, paper.

I had this weird habit of talking to myself. A lot. Some people thought I was insane but I couldn't seem to help it.

Dialling the number, I felt a sudden twang of nervousness in my stomach. 'What if they don't hire me?' 'What if they've already found a rancher who actually knows what they're doing?' '..What if I see Trent?' I cursed out loud and exclaimed 'STOP THINKING OF THAT DOUCHE BAG TRENT!' and then I froze, calmed myself down, and dialled the number.

'Hello there,' said an annoyingly preppy male voice 'This is Sunshine Ranch, Mark speaking'

'Oh, er, hello Mark. I was just calling about the job position?' I responded, trying to sound as confident as possible.

'Sure I'll just go get Tar- Wait, what job position?' he managed before being cut off by another male,

'MARK! What have I told you about using the god damn phone to make your social calls! Get back to work!' the voice sounded irritated. I heard shuffling as the phone changed hands and then the other voice spoke again.

'I'm sorry about that; you know how it is, young assistants and their incompetence... Anyway, my name's Taro, did I hear you say you were interested in the rancher position going?'

A bit taken aback by his upfront nature, I stuttered idiotically 'Oh... er, yes! I, er, saw the advertisement and, well, I really want to try my hand at, er, ranching!'

'Good! So you'll take the job?'

'Wha-what? Are you serious?' I all but squealed,

'Sure I'm serious! So will ya?' He replied, a little impatient now,

'O-of course I will!' I replied with excitement

'Good. Be here 6am sharp Wednesday morning, no excuses. See you then!' and with that, he hung up.

'What in the hell just happened?' I whispered dreamily. Then it hit me. I. Have. A. Job. I have a job. I, Chelsea Jacobs, HAVE A JOB! I squealed loudly and burst into a ridiculous celebratory dance of bouncing around and kicking random items across the room.

'CHELSEA? Chelsea! Is that you up there?' a voice shouted from downstairs,

My dancing halted immediately and I stood up straight, embarrassed. 'Hey Ma, yeah it's just me!'

'Thought so! Well get your butt down here! I've got pizza!'

I felt a smile stretch across my face in elation. Aaah, pizza: one of the best creations known to man. I sprinted down the stairs, eyes wide and hungry, nearly tackling my mother on the way.

'Woah there! Slow down wolf girl. There's plenty to go around' my mother smiled.

She was a traditionally beautiful woman with a heart shaped face, perfect little nose and big brown eyes. The type you see in old romance movies or described in books as the fairy queen. Her soft, honey blonde hair floated gently around her shoulders.

'I sure hope so!' I rejoiced with a smile as I followed her like a hungry animal into the kitchen. All the while thinking how devastated she'll be when I tell her, and how excited I am to leave.